End cruelty in public speech

I am so glad, relieved to read Father Rolheiser’s column, “A slur that cuts deep” (July 26). We need this strong defense of our human worth, especially his defense of people called “losers” and similar slurs, the marginalized people who remind him of the ostracized lepers of biblical times. There has been too much cruelty in public speaking in recent times. It must stop! I consider it a form of violence. Sometimes I worry that courtesy, decency, and kindness are under threat in today’s angrily polarized society.

We can practice the love Jesus teaches us by treating every person we talk to, or talk about, or write about, with the kindness, consideration, and respect that he would show them. Thank you, Father Rolheiser!